Week of November 6th

Accumulating Positives

by Ellie Fussell, Social Work Intern

Nearly two months ago, I started a new challenge/opportunity of moving away from my friends and family to live in New York City. This has become one of the biggest challenges that I have set out for myself thus far. With all the stress of learning a new city, taking on different responsibilities, and being surrounded by unfamiliar people, I have learned how valuable it is to accumulate positives when initiating new challenges and opportunities.

It can be easy to get in a mindset that is negative and overwhelming to where it makes it difficult to even realize the positive events occurring. Being more mindful of my current surroundings has allowed me to recognize positives such as the weather, the friends I have made, or the food I am enjoying.

 

Whenever I have second thoughts about my move to a new city or feel the challenge is too big for me to handle, I remember the value of accumulating positives in the short term. Some examples of positives experiences that I have learned to do each day are going on walks and trying new coffee shops. On walks, I like to notice the life around me, listen to the leaves rustle, feel the sun and the wind, and see the community I live in. In coffee shops, I enjoy the music, appreciate the decor, and taste and smell the coffee. These are practices that relieve my anxiety and make me think positively about my circumstances in that moment. Thinking long term, the challenge I initiated for myself is getting me closer to my goals. I take advantage of the opportunities that come with moving to a new city because they will be part of my process of living the life I want.

 

Patience is one aspect of accumulating positives that I like to keep in mind. It takes time and endurance to feel comfortable in a new opportunity. It is normal to not constantly feel positive during the process. This motivates me to keep making plans and refocusing my mind so that I am reminded of my goals. With accumulated positives in my back pocket, I have more stamina to tackle adversities that arise.

 

In my current challenge, just remembering that I am living out the goal I had set for myself many months ago allows me to appreciate where I am, even when it may seem hard at times. New challenges and opportunities can be daunting. Accumulating positives alleviate stressors during this process and can get you closer to living a life that aligns with your values and achieving the goals important to you.

 

WORDS OF WISDOM

MEME OF THE WEEK

BOOK OF THE WEEK
(Click below to Purchase Book)